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One-time top prospect Villalona may be on way

Villalona, formerly a highly regarded prospect from the Dominican Republic who was charged with murder in that country, had his visa approved. Bobby Evans, Giants vice president of baseball operations, said that once Villalona arrives in Scottsdale, Ariz., the Giants will apply for his reinstatement from the restricted list.

News of Villalona's status was initially reported by Baseball America.

The Giants signed Villalona for a then-club-record $2.1 million bonus in 2006. The 16-year-old corner infielder was said to have prodigious power. While playing for Class A San Jose in September 2009, an injured Villalona returned home to visit his family. A fatal shooting at a nightclub resulted in Villalona's arrest. He reportedly paid the victim's family $139,000 before charges were dropped for a lack of evidence.

Villalona's last professional experience came in the Dominican Summer League in 2012. He hit .303 with seven homers and 34 RBIs in 44 games.